Environmental Impact - Wildlife/Vegetation Effects

Cole, D. N., & Knight, R.L. (1990). Impacts of recreation on biodiversity in wilderness. Proceedings of a symposium on Wilderness areas and their impacts.

Abstract

This article discusses seven recreational impacts on biodiversity in wilderness areas. These include: 1) construction of trails, 2) trampling of vegetation and soils on trails and campsites, 3) collection and burning of wood in campfires, 4) water pollution associated with camping activities, 5) harassment of animals, 6) hunting, fishing, and associated management programs, and 7) grazing by recreational pack stock. In this summary I will focus mainly on the impact of trails and trail related activities.

Trail construction can alter the local microclimate and topography dramatically. Moisture conditions are changed, where drainage systems are interrupted and by the removal of trees and brush. This also increases direct precipitation and light intensities and decreases vapotranspiration rates.

Trails may also impact species composition and interactions by creating edge. This may cause an increase of edge-species. Edge-species may result in the decline of habitat-interior species through predation, competition, or parasitism. Trails also result in the trampling of vegetation. The result is loss of vegetation, change in understorey species composition, and the compaction of mineral soils. Most of this impact is localized, being confined to the immediate vicinity of trails. The use of trails often results in the unintentional harassment of animals causing displacement of
the animal or habituation to humans. Grazing by recreational pack stock can reduce vegetative cover and change species composition.

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